vol 2 – Issue 1 September 1, 2011
Welcome to the New Year…
We are on track for an exciting school year, with our biggest classes ever in first grade (16), kindergarten (18) and pre-kindergarten (18). If all goes according to plan, we could be looking at splitting grades in our primary program as early as next year, a very positive step in our plan to grow to be a full-service (twelve grade - plus K and PK) school.
This is just a reminder that school dismisses on Fridays and on shortened days at 1:00pm. Check the calendar if you are not certain when shortened days occur.
If you are new to the school and you find that the rest of us are doing things out of habit, however we are not providing enough information, please ask. I apologize in advance. We try to repeat the steps each year, however sometimes, we learn to operate by routine and we need to be reminded so that everyone can stay up to speed.
School Improvements
We had hoped to be completed laying our new gym floor prior to the school year starting, however we are well behind schedule on this project. Currently we have hit the twenty-foot mark, which means that we still have eighty feet to go. We anticipate being In the gym by mid-September and will keep you updated on that process. Meanwhile, hopefully the fall weather holds for us.
The old soccer field is also undergoing some face lifting. TCJA alumnus, Loren Watts has been rotor-tilling and grading the field so that we could put in a track and a football field.
Unfortunately, the great tree that was in the corner had to be removed for the rest of the project to be done correctly, but we hope to turn that gift from the eighth grade class of 89 into benches on the field. Again, watch for information and updates.
Home & School Polo Exchange
This year our Home & School association has put together a polo shirt exchange. In the North hall they have put up a rack. If parents or students see something they like, feel free to take it. If you want to donate gently used polos, fold and place them on the shelves for laundering. Thank-you.
Hot Lunch Feedback
Please advise us early as to pros and cons of the hot lunch program. We are running the program differently than we have the past several years, and we are prepared to make changes if what we are doing isn’t working. Also, students need to order by 9:00 so that food handlers can prepare accordingly.
September
5 Labor Day – No School
11 Band / Choir Pool Party (3:00-6:00)
12-16 Grades 5-6 Outdoor School
16-18 Wilderness Ventures Backpack Trip
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Mr. O’s Pick…
This week I want to especially recognize two young men who spent many hours helping out at the school over the summer. Abe Baik and Bradley Birney – thanx for your dedication to TCJA. Come in Monday for your complimentary muffins.
Wilderness Ventures
This past weekend 17 people spent from Friday evening through Sunday morning in God’s great gift to man – nature. We camped at Rimrock Lake and had a restive weekend, kayaking on and playing in the water, hiking Round Mountain, and looking at stars. The next WV event is the annual backpacking trip. There is a $25 fee to participate in this event, and we are limited to 10 people plus the leaders. The first ten 7th through 10th graders to sign up and pay the dues will have those spots. They will be packing about 10 miles into the Goat Rocks area.
After School Sports – 7-10
We have three after school sports programs in place. All of them practice from 3:30 to 5:00. Girls have volleyball Mondays through Thursdays. Boys (and interested girls) have flag football on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Boys also have soccer on Mondays and Wednesdays. There is some outside cost for participating in any of these three programs. Contact the office if you will need more information
Music Trip Calendar and Event Change
You might note in the calendar that the band and choir are scheduled to have a campout on the weekend of September 9th and 10th. Unfortunately the venue that they were planning to use is no longer available to us for that weekend. Instead, these groups will be having a pool party at the Irvine’s house. There will be food and games, and added to the water, it sounds like a recipe for a good time.
Muffin Mondays
By popular student demand, we will continue to make muffins (Costco variety) available to the students on Mondays, for pretty close to cost (75¢ each). Last year, students began to come in every day, but that does create a disruption to our routines. We don’t want anyone going hungry (when they don’t have lunches, etc.) so we will work with you on those days, however, on any day except Mondays (or Tuesdays following holiday Mondays), muffins will be $1.00.
